Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in State College, PA
In State College, PA, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is $27,650, falling below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the specific demand for fast-food services and the overall wage structure within the region. The cost of living in State College aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal salary may have a direct impact on disposable income.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,890.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.77, the job market in State College, PA, indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a booming demand, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for fast-food cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in State College, PA earns-11.2%below the national average.
$13.3
$532
$2,304
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in State College is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to State College, PA, with potential for incremental salary increases reflecting broader economic conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. As individuals gain experience, their earning potential increases, reflected in higher salary percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior positions signifies opportunities for advancement and increased compensation within the fast-food industry in State College.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,420 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,738 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,470 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,563 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,890 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,650 in State College, PA, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within State College is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the lower wage is balanced by the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
3.358
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 0.77x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.77 for Cooks, Fast Food in State College, PA, suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national landscape. This indicates a moderate level of competition, where the demand for fast-food cooks is present but not exceptionally high relative to other job sectors within the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,320↓ 8% | 35 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,390↓ 12% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,280↓ 5% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in State College, PA is $27,650. This typically ranges from $22,420 for entry-level positions to $34,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 11.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $27,650 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal pay does not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($25,320) and Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the State College, PA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in State College, PA is $27,650, which is $3,480 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in State College, PA?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive to live there than the typical US city.
How many Cooks, Fast Food are there in State College, PA?
There are approximately 230 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the State College, PA area, representing 3.358 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Is the job market for fast-food cooks strong in State College, PA?
The job market is stable but not exceptionally strong, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.77, which is below the national average concentration for this role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 3.358 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in State College, PA